JP2013082422A - Device and method for controlling device to be operated in vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control device of an operation target device of a vehicle that can operate the operation target device without leaving a hand from a handle, or greatly moving the hand.SOLUTION: A touch sensor 21 is attached to an annular part of a steering wheel. A sensor data generation part 22 generates, based on a touch detection signal obtained from the touch sensor 21, sensor data. A control part 10 controls the onboard equipment 100 according to the specific input operation, when it is detected that a specific input operation has been performed to the touch sensor 21. A grip detection area and an operation detection area are set to the touch sensor 21. The grip detection area and the operation detection area are composed so that they can be distinguished.

Description

  The present invention uses an in-vehicle device such as a navigation device mounted on a vehicle or a vehicle operation control device that controls the operation of a vehicle such as a transmission or a direction indicator as an operation target device, and controls the operation target device. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a control method.

  A vehicle in which an operation switch for operating an in-vehicle device such as a navigation device mounted on the vehicle is arranged on a steering wheel is widely used (see Patent Document 1). If the operation switch is arranged on the steering wheel, the driver does not need to reach the vehicle-mounted device when operating the vehicle-mounted device, so that the operability is improved. As described in Patent Document 1, the operation switch is not actually an annular portion of a steering wheel that is a gripping portion that is gripped by a driver, but a center portion and a circle that store an airbag. It is usual to arrange | position at the connection part which connects between annular parts. Therefore, in order to operate the operation switch, the driver needs to release his / her hand from the annular ring part he / she is holding or to largely shift his / her hand. Patent Document 2 describes that an operation switch is arranged on the back surface or inner side surface of the annular portion.

JP 2007-106353 A JP-A-2005-348123 JP 2008-195220 A

  According to the invention described in Patent Document 2, since the operation switch is arranged in the annular portion, the operation switch can be operated without releasing the hand from the annular portion or greatly shifting the hand. . However, the operation switch described in Patent Document 2 is a key provided by a push button or a key provided with unevenness, and this type of key may be an obstacle when the driver operates the steering wheel. It is not preferable to provide large irregularities in the annular portion gripped by the driver. In addition, when an operation unit such as an operation switch is arranged in the annular part, there is no intention to operate the operation target device as in the case where the driver holds the annular part for normal driving. In some cases, it is required to prevent the operation target device from being inadvertently operated. Furthermore, it is required to minimize erroneous operations as much as possible.

  In order to meet such a demand, the present invention can operate the operation target device without releasing the hand from the gripping part or greatly shifting the hand, which hinders the driver from operating the steering wheel. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device and a control method for an operation target device in a vehicle that can greatly reduce the possibility of occurrence of the problem. Moreover, it aims at providing the control apparatus and control method of the operation target apparatus in the vehicle which can reduce an erroneous operation significantly.

  In order to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above, the present invention has a plurality of detection regions (R), and a predetermined gripping portion (200r, 201s) of the steering wheel (200, 201) gripped by the driver. A touch sensor (21) attached to the range, and a sensor data generation unit (22) that generates sensor data including position data indicating which detection area is touched based on a contact detection signal obtained from the touch sensor. And a detection unit (10a) for detecting whether or not the driver is gripping the gripping unit based on the sensor data, and an input operation to the touch sensor, and the detection unit allows the driver to perform the gripping operation. When it is detected that the holding part is grasped and a specific input operation is performed on the touch sensor, according to the specific input operation, A control unit (10) for controlling an operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor, wherein the touch sensor includes a part of the plurality of detection regions and detects a contact of a palm of the driver. A detection area and an operation detection area that includes the other part of the plurality of detection areas and detects the specific input operation by finger contact are set, and at least the detection unit grips the grip detection area. A control device for an operation target device in a vehicle is provided, wherein the grip detection area and the operation detection area can be distinguished from each other when it is detected.

  In the control device for the operation target device in the vehicle, the grip detection area and the operation detection area can be distinguished only when the detection unit detects that the grip detection area is gripped. it can.

  In the control device for the operation target device in the vehicle, the grip detection area and the operation detection area can be distinguished regardless of whether or not the grip detection area is detected by the detection unit. can do.

  In the control device for the operation target device in the vehicle, the grip detection area and the operation detection area can be distinguished from each other by color-coding the grip detection area and the operation detection area.

  In the control device for an operation target device in the vehicle, the grip detection area and the operation are provided by boundary identifying means provided at a boundary between the grip detection area and the operation detection area for identifying the boundary. The detection area can be configured to be distinguishable.

  In the control device for an operation target device in the vehicle, the boundary identification unit may be a marker with a color attached to the boundary or a physical shape provided on the boundary. The physical shape may be a concave portion or a convex portion.

  In the control device for an operation target device in the vehicle, the grip detection area may be different in diameter from the gripping portion in the grip detection area and the gripping portion in the operation detection area. The detection area and the operation detection area can be configured to be distinguishable.

  In the control device of the operation target device in the vehicle, the grip detection area and the operation detection area may be configured to be distinguishable by making the grip detection area and the operation detection area have different tactile sensations. it can.

  In the control device of the operation target device in the vehicle, when the detection unit detects that the grip detection area is gripped, the control unit changes the color of the operation detection area, thereby the grip detection area. And the operation detection area can be distinguished from each other.

  In the control device for an operation target device in the vehicle, when the detection unit detects that the grip detection area is gripped, the control unit changes the tactile sense of the operation detection area, thereby the grip detection area. And the operation detection area can be distinguished from each other.

  Moreover, in order to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above, the present invention has a plurality of detection regions (R), and a grip portion (200r, 201s) gripped by the driver in the steering wheel (200, 201). A grip detection area (Arg) that is a touch sensor (21) that is mounted in a predetermined range so as to cover the gripping part, includes a part of the plurality of detection areas, and detects contact of the palm of the driver. And the grip detection area in the touch sensor including the other part of the plurality of detection areas and the operation detection area (Arv) for detecting the specific input operation by the touch of the finger is set by the driver. When it is detected whether or not the grip detection area is gripped, it is detected that the grip detection area and the operation detection area have different colors or tactile senses. It is detected whether or not a specific input operation has been performed on the crop detection area, and it is detected that the driver is gripping the grip detection area and that the specific input operation has been performed. In such a case, there is provided a method for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle, which controls an operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor.

  In the control method of the operation target device in the vehicle, it is preferable that the color of the operation detection area is changed when it is detected that the grip detection area is gripped.

  In the control method of the operation target device in the vehicle, it is preferable that the tactile sense of the operation detection area is changed when it is detected that the grip detection area is gripped.

  According to the control device and the control method of the operation target device in the vehicle of the present invention, the operation target device can be operated without releasing the hand from the gripping part or greatly shifting the hand, and the driver can operate the steering wheel. The possibility of hindering the operation of the can be greatly reduced. In addition, erroneous operations can be greatly reduced.

It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the control apparatus of the operation target apparatus in the vehicle of this invention. It is a partial top view which shows the example of a vehicle provided with the control apparatus of the operation target apparatus of one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the position and range which mount | wear the steering wheel with the touch sensor in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of the position and range which mount | wear the steering wheel with the touch sensor in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which mounts a touch sensor in a deformation | transformation steering wheel. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the example of the part from which sensor data is obtained in the state which is holding the part of the touch sensor in a steering wheel. It is sectional drawing which shows the coordinate of the cross-section circumferential direction in a touch sensor. It is a top view which shows the state which expand | deployed the touch sensor shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which converted each area | region shown in FIG. 8 into the equal magnitude | size. It is a figure which shows the example of the requirements for determining with holding | griping the part of the touch sensor in a steering wheel. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of specific input operation with respect to a touch sensor. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of specific input operation with respect to a touch sensor. It is a schematic diagram which shows the further another example of specific input operation with respect to a touch sensor. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of one Embodiment. It is a typical perspective view which shows the structural example for changing a color when operating a touch sensor. It is a typical perspective view which shows the structural example for changing a tactile sense when operating a touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the example which color-coded each area of the touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the example which attached | subjected the marker to the boundary of the area of a touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the example which made the diameter thin in the operation detection area of a touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the example which made the diameter in the operation detection area of a touch sensor thick. It is a figure which shows the example which provided the recessed part in the boundary of the area of a touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the example which provided the convex part in the boundary of the area of a touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the example which changed the color of the operation detection area, when it was detected that the grip detection area of the touch sensor was gripped. It is a figure which shows the example which changed the tactile sense of the operation detection area, when it was detected that the grip detection area of the touch sensor was gripped. It is a top view which shows the structural example of a steering wheel.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a control device and a control method for an operation target device in a vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 and 2, the in-vehicle device 100 is mounted in a dashboard of a vehicle. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle device 100 includes a control unit 10, a navigation processing unit 11, an audio playback unit 12, a television (TV) tuner 13, a video signal processing unit 14, a video display unit 15, and an audio signal processing unit 16. , A display element 17 and a storage unit 18. The control unit 10 includes a detection unit 10a.

  The navigation processing unit 11 includes a storage unit that holds map data, a GPS antenna, and the like, and the control unit 10 and the navigation processing unit 11 cooperate to perform route guidance. The audio reproducing unit 12 reproduces an audio signal recorded on an optical disc such as a compact disc or a semiconductor memory according to control by the control unit 10. The TV tuner 13 receives a TV broadcast wave signal of a predetermined broadcast station under the control of the control unit 10. The video signal output from the navigation processing unit 11 or the TV tuner 13 is input to the video signal processing unit 14 via the control unit 10 and processed, and displayed on the video display unit 15 such as a liquid crystal panel.

  The audio signals output from the navigation processing unit 11, the audio playback unit 12, and the TV tuner 13 are input to the audio signal processing unit 16 through the control unit 10, processed, and produced by the external speaker 20. The audio signal processing unit 16 includes an amplification unit. The speaker 20 is installed inside the door of the vehicle. The display element 17 is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), and is turned on or off according to the contact state of the touch sensor 21 described later according to control by the control unit 10. The display element 17 is disposed, for example, in a housing of the in-vehicle device 100 so that the driver can visually recognize the display element 17. The display element 17 may be arranged away from the in-vehicle device 100 and in the vicinity of the steering wheel 200 of the vehicle. The storage unit 18 is a nonvolatile memory.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the touch sensor 21 that is an operation unit is attached to an annular portion 200 r of the steering wheel 200. The annular portion 200r is a gripping portion that is a portion that the driver grips during driving. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the touch sensor 21 is mounted in a predetermined angular range on each of the left and right sides of the annular portion 200r. The touch sensor 21 is a so-called multi-point detection (multi-touch) touch sensor that can detect contact at a plurality of locations. The touch sensor 21 is preferably mounted within a range of 360 ° on the circumference of the radial cross section of the annular portion 200r. Even in the range of less than 360 °, it is only necessary to cover substantially the entire circumference of the cross section of the annular portion 200r.

  The driver is holding a portion of the annular portion 200r where the touch sensor 21 is attached. In FIG. 1, the output of the touch sensor 21 is input to the sensor data generation unit 22. When the touch sensor 21 is touched with a hand, a contact detection signal is input to the sensor data generation unit 22. The sensor data generation unit 22 generates sensor data including position data indicating from which position of the touch sensor 21 the contact detection signal is obtained based on the input contact detection signal, and supplies the sensor data to the control unit 10. The touch sensor 21 and the sensor data generation unit 22 may be integrated, or the sensor data generation unit 22 may be provided in the control unit 10.

  As the touch sensor 21, for example, a projected capacitive (mutual capacitance) type touch sensor can be used. As an example of the touch sensor 21 attached to the annular portion 200r, a flexible touch panel developed by the Micro Technology Research Institute can be employed. This flexible touch panel has a structure in which a sensor portion is made of ultra-thin glass having a plate thickness of 0.02 to 0.05 mm, and an ultra-thin glass and a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film are bonded together. Even when the touch sensor 21 is attached to the annular portion 200r, the touch sensor 21 does not have irregularities that can be perceived by a hand or a finger, so that it is almost impossible for the driver to operate the steering wheel 200. Absent.

  As shown by a broken line in FIG. 2, it is preferable to wire an electric wire connecting the touch sensor 21 and the in-vehicle device 100 through the steering wheel 200 and the inside of the dashboard.

  1 and 2, the steering angle sensor 31 detects the rotation angle of the steering wheel 200. The direction indicator sensor 32 detects an operation of the direction indicator 320. The shift lever sensor 33 detects where the shift position by the shift lever 330 is. The detection signals of the steering angle sensor 31, the direction indicator sensor 32, and the shift lever sensor 33 are supplied to the control unit 10 via the in-vehicle communication unit 34.

  An example of a position and a range where the touch sensor 21 is attached to the annular portion 200r of the steering wheel 200 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that “up”, “down”, “right”, and “left” are up, down, right, left when the steering wheel 200 is viewed from the position of the driver in a state where the steering wheel 200 is not rotated (a state where the vehicle goes straight). Suppose that FIG. 3A shows an example in which the touch sensor 21 is attached to the entire circumference of the annular portion 200r. FIG. 3B is the same as FIG. 2 and shows an example in which the touch sensors 21 are mounted apart from each other in predetermined angular ranges on the left and right above the annular portion 200r. FIG. 3C shows an example in which the touch sensor 21 is mounted in a predetermined angle range only on the right side above the annular portion 200r.

  FIG. 3D shows an example in which the touch sensors 21 are mounted apart from each other in a predetermined angular range on the left and right below the annular portion 200r. FIG. 3E shows an example in which the touch sensor 21 is mounted in a relatively wide angular range including the top of the annular portion 200r. FIG. 3E corresponds to a combination of the left and right touch sensors 21 in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is an example in which the left and right touch sensors 21 in FIG. 3B are divided into an upper touch sensor 21a and a lower touch sensor 21b. In the example of FIG. 4, the upper touch sensor 21a detects contact with the index finger and thumb of the hand, and the lower touch sensor 21b mainly detects contact with the palm, middle finger, and ring finger. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the touch sensor 21 is mounted on a deformed steering wheel 201 that is not circular. The touch sensor 21 is attached to the left and right straight portions 201 s of the modified steering wheel 201. The driver operates by grasping the straight portion 201s that is the gripping portion, and the touch sensor 21 detects a contact with a palm or a finger.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, when the touch sensor 21 is attached to the left and right above the annular portion 200 r and the driver is holding the touch sensor 21, How the contact is detected will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of a range in which the palm and the finger are in contact when the driver grips the right touch sensor 21 in FIG. The manner in which the driver grips the annular portion 200r with his / her hand and the size of the hand are not uniform, and FIG. 6 is merely an example.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of detection regions R indicated by hatched Tp are portions where the palm contact is detected, and a plurality of detection regions R indicated by hatched Tt detect the contact of the thumb. It is the part which is doing. Hereinafter, the palm contact detection unit Tp and the thumb contact detection unit Tt are referred to. An index finger contacts the back side of the touch sensor 21, which is the traveling direction side of the vehicle not visible in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the touch sensor 21 has a plurality of detection regions R as a detection portion for detecting the contact of a palm or a finger. Coordinates are set in each detection region R of the touch sensor 21. As shown in FIG. 6, in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 200r, the detection region R located at the lower end portion of the touch sensor 21 is set to the coordinate 0, and 1, 2, 2, to the detection region R located at the upper end portion. ..., 30, 31 and circumferential coordinates are set. A coordinate in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 200r in the touch sensor 21 is defined as a Y coordinate.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the annular portion 200r cut in the radial direction of the annular portion 200r at the portion where the touch sensor 21 is attached. As shown in FIG. 7, in the cross section of the annular portion 200r, for example, a detection region R located on the inner diameter side of the annular portion 200r is set as a coordinate 0. In each of the detection regions R in the circumferential direction in the cross section, counterclockwise in FIG. 7 from the inner diameter side to the front side, from the front side to the outer diameter side, from the outer diameter side to the rear surface side, and from the rear surface side to the inner diameter side. , 1,..., 21 and 22 are set as coordinates. The coordinate in the circumferential direction of the cross section in the touch sensor 21 is defined as an X coordinate. The sensor data generation unit 22 can obtain position data indicating where the driver is touching the touch sensor 21 based on the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the detection region R from which the contact detection signal is obtained.

  6 is developed when the touch sensor 21 shown in FIG. 6 is developed. FIG. 9 schematically shows a state in which each area of the touch sensor 21 shown in FIG. 8 is converted into an equal size. 8 and 9, in addition to the palm contact detection unit Tp and the thumb contact detection unit Tt, an index finger contact detection unit Ti, which is a plurality of detection regions R with which the index finger is in contact, is also shown. In addition, if a middle finger, a ring finger, or a little finger contacts the touch sensor 21, the touch sensor 21 also detects contact of those fingers. In the present embodiment, the driver uses a thumb or index finger suitable for performing a specific input operation on the touch sensor 21 as a finger for the operation.

  Details of the input operation using the thumb or index finger will be described later. The detection unit 10 a of the control unit 10 detects that an input operation has been performed on the touch sensor 21 with the thumb or index finger based on the sensor data output from the sensor data generation unit 22. Based on the sensor data output from the sensor data generation unit 22, the detection unit 10a also detects that the annular portion 200r (touch sensor 21) is being gripped. The control unit 10 controls the operation target device according to a specific input operation performed on the touch sensor 21.

  The operation target device is an in-vehicle device 100 as an example. Specifically, the control unit 10 executes control related to route guidance in the navigation processing unit 11 according to a specific input operation, plays back or stops an audio signal in the audio playback unit 12, and plays a track ( Music) can be advanced or returned. Further, the control unit 10 can switch the reception channel in the TV tuner 13 or control the amplification unit of the audio signal processing unit 16 to decrease or increase the volume according to a specific input operation.

  Another example of the operation target device is a vehicle operation control device that controls the operation of the vehicle. Specifically, the control unit 10 may control a transmission, a direction indicator, an air conditioner on / off, a set temperature of the air conditioner, and the like via the in-vehicle communication unit 34. When the operation target device is a vehicle motion control device, it is preferable to control the vehicle motion control device by inputting sensor data output from the sensor data generation unit 22 to a control unit included in the vehicle. The control unit that controls the operation target device may be the control unit 10 in the in-vehicle device 100 or may be a control unit outside the in-vehicle device 100 provided in the vehicle.

  According to the present embodiment, the extremely thin touch sensor 21 is attached to the annular portion 200r gripped by the driver, and the operation target device is operated by operating the touch sensor 21, so that the hand is released from the annular portion 200r. Or the operation target device can be operated without greatly shifting the hand. Further, since the touch sensor 21 has no irregularities on the surface of the annular portion 200r, there is almost no possibility that the driver will interfere with the operation of the steering wheel 200.

  By the way, the operation target device is prevented from being inadvertently operated when the driver does not intend to operate the operation target device as in the case where the driver holds the annular portion 200r for normal driving. It will be necessary. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to avoid an erroneous operation that is not intended by the driver, the following is performed.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of detection areas R on the touch sensor 21 detect the operation input by enabling the grip detection area Arg for detecting the contact of the palm and the operation input by the thumb or the index finger. The operation detection area Arv for performing the operation, and the operation invalid area Ariv that is an intermediate area between the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv and invalidates the operation input are set. The palm contact detection unit Tp is located in the grip detection area Arg, and the thumb contact detection unit Tt and the index finger contact detection unit Ti are located in the operation detection area Arv.

  Similar to the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv, the operation invalid area Ariv has a detection area R for detecting a palm or finger contact, but is operated by the control unit 10 (detection unit 10a) or the sensor data generation unit 22. By performing processing so as to invalidate the input operation from the invalid area Ariv, the operation invalid area can be obtained. Further, the touch sensor 21 may be configured not to provide the detection region R in the range of the operation invalid area Ariv, so that the operation invalid area may be provided. This case is substantially equivalent to the example shown in FIG.

  When the driver holds the annular portion 200r for normal driving, the palm contact detection unit Tp, the thumb contact detection unit Tt, and the index finger contact detection unit Ti are relatively close to each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to accurately distinguish between a case where the driver simply holds the annular portion 200r and a case where the driver touches the touch sensor 21 in order to operate the operation target device, the operation invalid area Ariv Is provided. When the driver wants to operate the operation target device, the driver intentionally extends the thumb or index finger and touches the touch sensor 21 to perform a specific input operation described later. The control unit 10 controls the operation target device according to the input operation when a specific input operation described later is performed in the operation detection area Arv.

  It is also necessary to prevent the operation target device from being erroneously operated when the driver does not grasp the annular portion 200r for driving and inadvertently touches the operation detection area Arv. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detection unit 10a determines that the annular portion 200r is gripped when the palm contact detection unit Tp having a predetermined area or more is obtained in the grip detection area Arg. The controller 10 is configured to hold the annular portion 200r and to control the operation target device when a specific operation is performed in the operation detection area Arv. The area of the palm contact detection unit Tp that is determined to be gripping the toric part 200r should be set appropriately by statistically examining the area when a plurality of drivers hold the steering wheel 200 in a normal manner. That's fine.

  The area of the palm contact detection portion Tp in the grip detection area Arg is an example of a requirement for determining that the driver is holding the annular portion 200r, and the requirement for the determination is not limited thereto. FIG. 10 shows a cross section in which the annular portion 200r is cut at the grip detection area Arg of the touch sensor 21. FIG. The detection unit 10a can determine that the annular portion 200r is gripped when the angle θ in the circumferential direction of the palm contact detection unit Tp is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is, for example, 180 °.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the driver is holding the annular portion 200r (touch sensor 21), and an operation input to the touch sensor 21 is performed only when the driver holds the annular portion 200r. Since the operation detection area Arv is touched carelessly, an erroneous operation can be avoided. In the present embodiment, as a preferable configuration, the operation detection area Arv is provided at a position separated from the grip detection area Arg by a predetermined distance, so that the driver intentionally performs a specific input operation on the touch sensor 21. It is possible to accurately detect what is going on. Therefore, erroneous operations can be greatly reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the area of the palm contact detection portion Tp in the grip detection area Arg and the angle θ in the circumferential direction of the cross section are requirements for determining whether or not the driver is holding the annular portion 200r. It is possible to accurately determine whether or not the annular portion 200r is gripped. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid an erroneous operation in the case where the driver carelessly touches the operation detection area Arv in a state where the driver does not hold the annular portion 200r.

  When the control unit 10 detects that the driver is holding the annular portion 200r (touch sensor 21) based on the sensor data based on the contact detection signal from the grip detection area Arg, the control unit 10 informs the driver. The display element 17 is turned on to notify that the operation input by the operation detection area Arv is possible. The driver can determine whether or not the operation target device can be operated by the touch sensor 21 by turning on / off the display element 17. It is preferable to arrange the display element 17 in the vicinity of the steering wheel 200.

  By the way, when the touch sensor 21 is attached to the entire circumference of the annular portion 200r as shown in FIG. 3A or the touch sensor 21 is attached to a relatively wide range as shown in FIG. The position where the driver holds the touch sensor 21 is not fixed. Therefore, the positions of the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv described in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the operation invalid area Ariv provided as necessary are dynamically changed according to the position where the driver holds the touch sensor 21. Must be set.

  Therefore, when the touch sensor 21 is gripped in a state where the grip detection area Arg or the like is not set, the control unit 10 sets an area including the palm contact detection unit Tp as the grip detection area Arg. A predetermined range of the Y coordinate including the palm contact detection unit Tp may be set as the grip detection area Arg. As described above, since the palm contact detection unit Tp has a predetermined area or more, a portion of the plurality of detection regions R on the touch sensor 21 that is detected to be touched by a predetermined area or more is the palm contact detection unit Tp. It becomes. Alternatively, as described with reference to FIG. 10, a portion that is detected to be touched by a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction of the cross section obtained by cutting the annular portion 200 r at the portion of the touch sensor 21 becomes the palm contact detection portion Tp. .

  After setting the grip detection area Arg, the control unit 10 sets a predetermined range of the Y coordinate above the grip detection area Arg as the operation detection area Arv. In this case, if necessary, a predetermined range of the Y coordinate adjacent to the grip detection area Arg is set as the operation invalid area Ariv, and the grip detection area Arg is set at a position separated from the grip detection area Arg.

Next, an example of a specific input operation performed on the touch sensor 21 by the driver using the thumb or the index finger will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 11A to 11E schematically show a half that is the front side or the back side of the touch sensor 21 facing the driver. The operations shown in FIGS. 11A to 11E are performed with the thumb on the front side and with the index finger on the back side. In FIG. 11 (A), D _R is the right drag sliding to the right thumb or index finger on the touch sensor 21 (operation detection area ARV), D _L is the left sliding the thumb or index finger in the right direction Direction drag. D _U is an upward drag that slides the thumb or index finger upward, and D _D is a downward drag that slides in the direction of the thumb or index finger.

In FIG. 11A, instead of the right drag D _R , the left drag D _L , the upward drag D _U , and the downward drag D _D, a flick that flicks the touch sensor 21 in each direction with the thumb or index finger may be used. Good.

FIG. 11B shows a tap T that taps the touch sensor 21 with the thumb or index finger. FIG. 11 (C) shows the arc drag D _C drag to draw an arc on the touch sensor 21 with the thumb or index finger. FIG. 11 (D) shows a zigzag drag D _Z to drag in a zigzag shape on the touch sensor 21 with the thumb or index finger. Figure 11 (E) shows a symbol input drag D _S dragging to write symbols thumb or index finger. FIG. 11E shows a state in which the numeral 3 is drawn as a symbol. As a symbol, it is preferable to use numbers and alphabets that are relatively easy to recognize.

  FIGS. 12A to 12D show a schematic plan view of a front part 21f which is a half on the front side of the touch sensor 21 and a back part 21r which is a half on the back side when the touch sensor 21 is opened. . The front portion 21f is a portion of 0 to 11 of the X coordinate shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and the back portion 21r is a portion of 12 to 22 of the X coordinate. In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, strictly speaking, the front portion 21f and the back surface portion 21r do not have the same area, but in FIGS. 12A to 12D, the front surface portion 21f and the back surface portion 21r are the same. The area is shown. 12A to 12D, for easy understanding, the back surface portion 21r is not seen from the back surface side of the annular portion 200r but the back surface portion 21r is seen through the front surface portion 21f. Indicates the state.

As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D, a pattern in which an input operation with the thumb on the front surface portion 21f and an input operation with the index finger on the back surface portion 21r are combined may be used as the specific input operation on the touch sensor 21. 12 (A) shows an example of performing the right drag D _TR sliding the thumb in the right direction at the front portion 21f, both the rightward drag D _IR sliding the index finger in the right direction at the rear surface portion 21r. FIG. 12A is realized by dragging both the thumb and the index finger from the inner periphery side to the outer periphery side of the annular portion 200r. A pattern in which both the thumb and the index finger are dragged in the direction opposite to that in FIG.

FIG. 12 (B) is an example of performing the leftward drag D _TL sliding the thumb to the left at the front portion 21f, both the rightward drag D _IR sliding the index finger in the right direction at the rear surface portion 21r. FIG. 12B is realized by dragging the thumb from the outer peripheral side of the annular portion 200r to the inner peripheral side and dragging the index finger from the inner peripheral side of the annular portion 200r to the outer peripheral side. FIG. 12 (C) is an example in which the right drag D _TR sliding the thumb in the right direction at the front portion 21f, both the left drag D _IL sliding the index finger to the left at the back surface 21r. FIG. 12C is realized by dragging the thumb from the inner peripheral side of the annular part 200r to the outer peripheral side and dragging the index finger from the outer peripheral side of the annular part 200r to the inner peripheral side.

Figure 12 (D) is an example in which the direction drag D _TU on sliding the thumb in the upward direction at the front portion 21f, both the downward drag D _ID sliding the index finger in a downward direction at the rear surface portion 21r. A pattern in which the thumb is dragged downward and the index finger is dragged upward may be used, or a pattern in which both the thumb and index finger are dragged upward or downward may be used. Here, various patterns are shown in which the input operation with the thumb on the front surface portion 21f and the input operation with the index finger on the back surface portion 21r are shown, but may be appropriately selected in consideration of the ease of the input operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D, if a pattern that combines an input operation with the thumb and an input operation with the index finger is a specific input operation for controlling the operation target device, an erroneous operation is further greatly increased. Can be reduced.

  Furthermore, when the touch sensor 21 (21a, 21b) can be operated with the left and right hands as shown in FIGS. 3 (A), (B), (D), (E) and FIGS. A pattern in which operations by hand are combined can be used as a specific input operation for controlling the operation target device. FIGS. 13A to 13D show operations by left and right hands when the left touch sensor 21 in FIG. 3B is the left touch sensor 21L and the right touch sensor 21 is the right touch sensor 21R. An example of a combined pattern is shown. Here, a surface corresponding to the front portion 21f of FIG. 12 operated by the thumb is shown by a schematic plane.

FIG. 13 (A) combined with left drag D _TL sliding the thumb against the left touch sensor 21L in the left direction and a right direction drag D _TR sliding the thumb in the right direction with respect to the right touch sensor 21R Pattern. FIG. 13 (B) combined with the right drag D _TR sliding the thumb in the right direction with respect to the left touch sensor 21L, and a left drag D _TL sliding the thumb to the left with respect to the right touch sensor 21R Pattern.

FIG. 13C shows a pattern in which an upward drag _DTU that slides the thumb upward is combined with both the left touch sensor 21L and the right touch sensor 21R. Figure 13 (D), relative to both the left touch sensor 21L and the right touch sensor 21R, a pattern that combines the downward drag D _TD sliding the thumb in the downward direction.

  If a pattern combining input operations by left and right hands is a specific input operation for controlling the operation target device, the driver will hold the annular portion 200r with both hands, which contributes to safe driving. Is possible. In particular, the example of FIG. 3B is most preferable in that it contributes to safe driving because the touch sensor 21 is mounted at the most appropriate position for gripping the annular portion 200r with both hands. An input operation may be received when the left and right touch sensors 21 are held with both hands. It is good also as a state which does not accept input operation, when one hand leaves | separates from the touch sensor 21. FIG. When one hand moves away from the touch sensor 21, the state of accepting an input operation may be continued. Even when a specific input operation with only one hand is used, if the input operation is accepted when the left and right touch sensors 21 are held with both hands, it contributes to safe driving.

  When the driver is holding the toric part 200r for normal driving and does not intend to operate the operation target device, the specific operation is a combination of the input operation with the thumb and the input operation with the index finger. It is considered that there is a relatively low possibility that a pattern or a specific pattern combining left and right hand input operations will result. Therefore, when only a specific pattern that combines the input operation with the thumb and the input operation with the index finger or only a specific pattern that combines the input operation with the left and right hands is used, one of the devices for avoiding the above-described erroneous operation. Some or all of them may be omitted. Of course, even when only a specific pattern in which the input operations by the left and right hands are combined is used, it is preferable to employ a device for avoiding the above-described erroneous operation.

  The storage unit 18 stores a table in which the specific input operation or the combination of specific input operations described above is associated with the type of control for the operation target device. The control unit 10 controls the operation target device according to the operation input to the touch sensor 21 according to the table stored in the storage unit 18. The storage unit 18 may be provided in the control unit 10.

  Processing executed by the control unit 10 in the present embodiment will be described again using the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 13, the control unit 10 acquires sensor data output from the sensor data generation unit 22 in step S1. In step S2, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the annular portion 200r is gripped based on the detection output from the detection unit 10a. If it is determined that the annular portion 200r is gripped (YES), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S3, and if it is not determined that the annular portion 200r is gripped (NO), the control unit 10 10 returns the process to step S1.

  In step S3, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an input operation has been performed based on the detection output from the detection unit 10a. If it is determined that there is an input operation (YES), the control unit 10 moves the process to step S4. If it is not determined that there is an operation input (NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S1. In step S4, the control unit 10 determines whether or not to permit an operation on the operation target device by the input operation in step S3. If it is determined that the operation is permitted (YES), the control unit 10 moves the process to step S5. If it is not determined that the operation is permitted (NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S1.

  As described above, the control unit 10 permits an operation on the operation target device when a specific input operation is performed in the operation detection area Arv, and operates even if a specific input operation is performed in the operation invalid area Ariv. Do not allow operations on the target device. In addition, even if any input operation is performed in the operation detection area Arv, the control unit 10 does not permit the operation on the operation target device if it is not the above-described specific input operation, and only when the specific input operation is performed. Allows operations on the operation target device.

  In step S5, the control unit 10 determines an operation based on the input operation. In step S6, the control unit 10 executes control according to the determined operation on the operation target device, and returns the process to step S1. .

  The operations according to this embodiment are summarized as follows. The detection unit 10a (first detection unit) is touched in the first area of the touch sensor 21 attached to the gripping part (the annular part 200r or the straight part 201s) gripped by the driver in the steering wheels 200 and 201. It is detected that it is in a state. An example of the first area is the grip detection area Arg. The detection unit 10a (second detection unit) performs a specific input operation on the second area located above the first area in the touch sensor 21 while the first area is being touched. Detect what has been done. An example of the second area is the operation detection area Arv. During driving, the thumb or index finger is positioned above the palm, so the upper side of the first area may be the second area. When the first area is touched and a specific input operation is performed, an operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor 21 is controlled according to the specific input operation.

  The area located on the upper side is an area located on the upper side of the first area in a state where the driver grips the gripping part without rotating the steering wheel 200. When it is detected that the first area is touched more than a predetermined area, it is preferable that the first area is touched.

  From another viewpoint, it is as follows. The detection unit 10a (first detection unit) is mounted so as to cover the gripping part within a predetermined range of the gripping part (annular part 200r or linear part 201s) gripped by the driver on the steering wheels 200 and 201. In the first area on the touch sensor 21, the touch sensor 21 is in a state of being touched by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction in the cross section when the gripping part is cut in the radial direction of the steering wheels 200 and 201. Is detected. The detection unit 10a (second detection unit) performs a specific input operation on a second area different from the first area in the touch sensor 21 in a state where the first area is touched by a predetermined angle or more. Detect what has been done. When the first area is touched more than the predetermined angle and a specific input operation is performed, an operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor 21 is controlled according to the specific input operation.

  The second area is preferably an area located above the first area. The area located on the upper side is an area located on the upper side of the first area in a state where the driver grips the gripping part without rotating the steering wheel 200.

  15 and 16 show a configuration example for effectively informing the driver that the touch sensor 21 has been operated. 15 and 16 are schematic views in which the touch sensor 21 is developed and converted into a rectangular shape, as in FIG. FIG. 15 is an example in which a color change sheet 41 containing a coloring material is provided on the lower surface side of the touch sensor 21. By using the transparent conductive film for the touch sensor 21, the driver can see the color of the color change sheet 41 disposed on the lower surface of the touch sensor 21 via the touch sensor 21. The driver can recognize that the touch sensor 21 has been operated by changing the color of the color change sheet 41 at the portion where the touch sensor 21 is touched under the control of the control unit 10.

  FIG. 16 is an example in which a tactile feedback sheet 42 for changing a tactile sensation (hand touch) is provided on the upper surface side of the touch sensor 21. As the tactile feedback sheet 42, for example, a sheet called “E-Sense” developed by Senseg of Finland can be used. This sheet realizes tactile feedback by charging the film. Even if the tactile feedback sheet 42 is provided on the upper surface side of the touch sensor 21, the touch sensor 21 can detect contact with a finger or the like. When the touch sensor 21 is operated via the tactile feedback sheet 42, the driver can recognize that the touch sensor 21 has been operated by changing the tactile sense of the tactile feedback sheet 42 under the control of the control unit 10. it can.

  Next, a configuration example for further reducing erroneous operations will be described. FIG. 17A shows an example in which the grip detection area Arg, the operation invalid area Ariv, and the operation detection area Arv of the touch sensor 21 are color-coded. For example, it may be color-coded by applying paint, or color-coded by pasting sheets of the respective colors. It is also effective to color-code the portion of the touch sensor 21 and the portion other than the touch sensor 21 of the annular portion 200r. In this case, a color may be given to the part of the touch sensor 21, or a color may be given to a part other than the touch sensor 21. The parts other than the touch sensor 21, the grip detection area Arg, the operation invalid area Ariv, and the operation detection area Arv may be different colors.

  FIG. 17B shows an example in which the operation invalid area Ariv is not provided, and shows an example in which the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv are color-coded. Furthermore, it is preferable to color-code the portion of the touch sensor 21 and the portion other than the touch sensor 21 of the annular portion 200r because the driver can clearly and immediately recognize the position of the touch sensor 21. As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, it is more preferable to color-code each area because the driver can clearly and immediately view the position of each area of the touch sensor 21. 17A and 17B, the color change sheet 41 described above can also be used.

  When the position of the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv is dynamically set according to the position where the driver holds the touch sensor 21, the color change sheet 41 can be used as follows. . The controller 10 sets a grip detection area Arg and an operation detection area Arv for the touch sensor 21 after the driver grips the portion of the touch sensor 21 in the annular portion 200r. Then, after setting the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv, the control unit 10 colors the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv. In any of the configurations, the color coding may be performed by coloring each area, or may be color coded as a result by coloring some areas.

  FIG. 18A shows an example in which markers M1 and M2 of a predetermined color are attached to respective boundaries of the grip detection area Arg, the operation invalid area Ariv, and the operation detection area Arv. The markers M1 and M2 are examples of boundary identification means for identifying the boundary. The markers M1 and M2 may be provided by a paint or a seal, for example. FIG. 18B shows an example in which the operation invalid area Ariv is not provided, and shows an example in which a marker M3 of a predetermined color is added to the boundary between the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, it is preferable to indicate the position of the boundary because the driver can clearly and immediately visually recognize the position of each area of the touch sensor 21.

  FIG. 19 shows an example in which the diameter of the annular portion 200r in the operation detection area Arv is smaller than the diameter of the annular portion 200r in the grip detection area Arg. FIG. 19 shows an example in which the operation invalid area Ariv is not provided. What is necessary is just to make a diameter so thin that it does not become a hindrance when a driver operates steering wheel 200, and it can recognize by operation that it is operation detection area Arv. It is preferable that the diameter of the boundary between the operation detection area Arv and the grip detection area Arg is gradually changed.

  FIG. 20 shows an example in which the diameter of the annular portion 200r in the operation detection area Arv is larger than the diameter of the annular portion 200r in the grip detection area Arg. FIG. 20 shows an example in which the operation invalid area Ariv is not provided. What is necessary is just to make a diameter so thick that it does not become a hindrance when a driver operates steering wheel 200, and it can recognize by operation that it is operation detection area Arv. It is preferable that the diameter of the boundary between the operation detection area Arv and the grip detection area Arg is gradually changed. 19 and 20, the diameter of the annular portion 200r changes at the boundary between the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv. The change in diameter can be interpreted as an example of boundary identification means for physically identifying the boundary.

  FIG. 21 shows an example in which recesses B1 and B2 are provided at the boundaries of the grip detection area Arg, the operation invalid area Ariv, and the operation detection area Arv. The driver can visually recognize the position of each area by the recesses B1 and B2, and can recognize the position of each area by touch when the touch sensor 21 is gripped. Although not particularly illustrated, when the operation invalid area Ariv is not provided, a recess may be provided at the boundary between the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv. Note that the touch sensor 21 may be divided by the recesses B1 and B2, or may not be divided. The recesses B1 and B2 are another example of boundary identification means for physically identifying the boundary.

  FIG. 22 shows an example in which convex portions B3 and B4 are provided at the boundaries of the grip detection area Arg, the operation invalid area Ariv, and the operation detection area Arv. The driver can visually recognize the position of each area by the convex portions B3 and B4, and can recognize the position of each area by tactile sense when holding the touch sensor 21. Although not particularly illustrated, when the operation invalid area Ariv is not provided, a convex portion may be provided at the boundary between the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv. Note that the touch sensor 21 may be divided by the recesses B3 and B4, or may not be divided. The convex portions B3 and B4 are still another example of boundary identifying means for physically identifying the boundary.

  Furthermore, a configuration example for further reducing erroneous operations by causing the driver to accurately perceive the position of the operation detection area Arv when the driver grips the grip detection area Arg will be described. FIG. 23A shows a state where the driver has not yet gripped the grip detection area Arg. In this example, the operation invalid area Ariv is not provided. FIG. 23B shows a state where the driver has gripped the grip detection area Arg. 23A and 23B, the color change sheet 41 described above is provided on the lower surface side of the operation detection area Arv. When it is detected that the grip detection area Arg is gripped by the detection unit 10a, the control unit 10 changes the color of the color change sheet 41 as shown in FIG. Since the driver can clearly see the position of the operation detection area Arv, erroneous operations can be further reduced.

  24A and 24B show an example in which the above-described tactile feedback sheet 42 is provided on the upper surface side of the operation detection area Arv. FIG. 24A shows a state where the driver has not yet gripped the grip detection area Arg. FIG. 24B shows a state where the driver has gripped the grip detection area Arg. When the detection unit 10a detects that the grip detection area Arg is gripped, the control unit 10 controls the tactile feedback sheet 42 to change the tactile sense of the tactile feedback sheet 42, for example, as shown in FIG. Change to a rough state. In the state of FIG. 24 (A), the tactile feedback sheet 42 may be made in a rough state, and when it is detected that the grip detection area Arg is gripped, it may be changed to a smooth state.

  By changing the tactile sensation of the tactile feedback sheet 42, the driver can clearly recognize the position of the operation detection area Arv by tactile sensation, so that it is possible to further reduce erroneous operations. In the configuration in which the tactile sense of the tactile feedback sheet 42 is changed, it is not necessary to visually check the operation detection area Arv, which contributes to safe driving. The method of changing the tactile sensation of the tactile feedback sheet 42 is arbitrary.

  23 and 24, when the color change sheet 41 and the tactile feedback sheet 42 are provided not only in the operation detection area Arv but in the entire touch sensor 21, the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area are provided. Even when the position of Arv or the operation invalid area Ariv provided as necessary is dynamically set according to the position where the driver grasps the touch sensor 21, the color or tactile sensation of the operation detection area Arv is changed. It becomes possible.

  In FIGS. 23 and 24, only the operation detection area Arv is changed in color and touch, but the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv are changed in color and touch so that both areas have different colors and touch. You may let them. The color and touch of each area may be changed to change the color and touch, or the color and touch of some areas may be changed to change the color and touch as a result.

  Although illustration is omitted, only the portion of the operation detection area Arv may have a tactile sensation different from the grip detection area Arg and the operation invalid area Ariv in advance. The surface of the operation detection area Arv may be roughened, or surface treatment may be applied or a sheet of those tactile sensations may be pasted so as to have a tactile sensation different from the grip detection area Arg and the operation invalid area Ariv. In this case, it is not possible to dynamically set the operation detection area Arv, but it is preferable because the driver can clearly recognize the position of the operation detection area Arv by touch.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 17 to 24, the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv are configured to be distinguishable when at least the detection unit detects that the grip detection area Arg is gripped. Yes. In addition, the structure shown to FIGS. 17-24 is an example. For example, you may combine each structure shown to FIGS.

  The grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv may be configured to be always distinguishable. However, the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area are distinguished only when it is detected that the grip detection area Arg is gripped. If configured so as to be able to indicate whether or not the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv are distinguishable, it is possible to indicate whether or not the operation input to the operation detection area Arv is being accepted.

  Next, a configuration example of the steering wheel will be described with reference to FIG. The steering wheel 210 shown in FIG. 25 is configured to output a control signal for the operation target device from the steering wheel 210. In FIG. 25, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 25, the steering wheel 210 includes, for example, a sender data generation unit 23 similar to the sensor data generation unit 22 in FIG. 1 and a control unit 24 similar to the control unit 10 in a portion other than the annular portion 200r. I have. The control unit 24 includes a detection unit 24a similar to the detection unit 10a and a control signal generation unit 24b.

  When the steering wheel 210 is mounted on the vehicle, the control signal generator 24 b generates a control signal for controlling the operation target device according to a specific input operation to the touch sensor 21. The control signal output from the control signal generator 24 b is output to the output terminal 26 via the cable 25. If the output terminal 26 is connected to the operation target device, the operation target device can be controlled by the control signal. Examples of specific input operations are the same as those in FIGS. The requirements for the control signal generator 24b to generate the control signal are the same as described above.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The touch sensor 21 may be detachably attached to the annular portion 200r using a surface fastener. Although the annular portion 200r is the gripping portion, the gripping portion is not necessarily circular.

  The touch sensor 21 does not need to be configured by a single sheet, and the touch sensor 21 may be configured by a plurality of pieces of touch sensors. If the touch sensor 21 is composed of a plurality of pieces of touch sensors, the shape of each piece of the touch sensor can be made simple, which is advantageous when producing touch sensors. In addition, when the touch sensor 21 is configured by a plurality of pieces of touch sensors, the pieces of touch sensors do not necessarily have to be arranged without a gap. The touch panel 21 according to the present embodiment is mounted so as to cover the gripping portion. However, the touch panel 21 according to the present embodiment is mounted so as to cover the gripping portion, which means a touch composed of a plurality of touch sensor pieces. It is also assumed that the sensor 21 is mounted so as to cover the gripping portion in a state where there is a gap between the pieces of the touch sensor.

  Furthermore, the range in which the touch sensor 21 is provided is not limited to the gripping portion (the annular portion 200r or the straight portion 201s) that the driver grips during driving. For example, the center portion and the annular portion 200r in which an airbag or the like is accommodated. You may extend to the surface of the connection part which connects between. In FIG. 2, the connecting portion is a portion located between the left and right hands in the state shown in FIG. 2, and in FIG. 25, the sensor data generating portion 23 and the control portion 24 are provided. In this way, the touch sensor 21 may be extended to the surface of the connecting portion, and the operation detection area Arv may be set at a position close to the gripping portion in the connecting portion. If the position is close to the gripping part, the driver can operate the operation target device without releasing the hand from the gripping part or greatly shifting the hand during driving. Therefore, even when the touch sensor 21 is extended to the surface of the connecting portion, there is almost no possibility that the driver will interfere with the operation of the steering wheels 200, 201, and 210.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 24 Control part 10a, 24a Detection part 11 Navigation processing part 12 Audio reproduction part 13 Television tuner 14 Video signal processing part 15 Video display part 16 Audio | voice signal processing part 17 Display element 18 Storage part 20 Speaker 21 Touch sensor 22,23 Sensor data generation unit 24b Control signal generation unit 25 Cable 26 Output terminal 31 Steering angle sensor 32 Direction indicator sensor 33 Shift lever sensor 34 In-vehicle communication unit 200, 201, 210 Steering wheel 200r Annular part (grip part)
201s Straight part (grip part)

Claims (14)

A touch sensor that has a plurality of detection areas and is attached to a predetermined range of a gripping portion that is gripped by a driver on the steering wheel;
A sensor data generation unit that generates sensor data including position data indicating which detection area is touched based on a contact detection signal obtained from the touch sensor;
Based on the sensor data, whether or not the driver is gripping the gripping part, and a detection part for detecting an input operation to the touch sensor,
When the detection unit detects that the driver is grasping the gripping unit and detects that a specific input operation is performed on the touch sensor, the specific input operation is performed. In response, a control unit that controls an operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor;
With
The touch sensor includes a part of the plurality of detection areas, includes a grip detection area for detecting contact of a palm of the driver, and another part of the plurality of detection areas, and the identification by contact of a finger And an operation detection area that detects input operations of
An operation target device in a vehicle, wherein the grip detection area and the operation detection area are configured to be distinguishable when at least the grip detection area is detected by the detection unit. Control device.   The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the grip detection area and the operation detection area are distinguishable only when the detection unit detects that the grip detection area is gripped. Control device for the operation target device.   The grip detection area and the operation detection area are configured to be distinguishable regardless of whether the grip detection area is detected by the detection unit. Control device for operation target device in a vehicle.   4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the grip detection area and the operation detection area are configured to be distinguishable by color-coding the grip detection area and the operation detection area. 5. The control apparatus of the operation target apparatus in FIG.   The grip detection area and the operation detection area are configured to be distinguishable by boundary identification means for identifying the boundary provided at the boundary between the grip detection area and the operation detection area. The control device of the operation target device in the vehicle according to claim 1 or 3.   6. The control device for an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the boundary identification means is a marker with a color attached to the boundary or a physical shape provided on the boundary.   The said physical shape is a recessed part or a convex part, The control apparatus of the operation target apparatus in the vehicle of Claim 6 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The grip detection area and the operation detection area can be distinguished by making the diameter of the gripping portion of the grip detection area portion different from the diameter of the gripping portion of the operation detection area portion. It is comprised, The control apparatus of the operation target apparatus in the vehicle of Claim 1 or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned.   4. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the grip detection area and the operation detection area are configured to be distinguishable by making the sense of touch between the grip detection area and the operation detection area different. 5. Control device for operation target device in a vehicle.   When it is detected that the grip detection area is gripped by the detection unit, the control unit is configured to change the color of the operation detection area so that the grip detection area and the operation detection area can be distinguished. The control device for an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the device is a control device.   When it is detected that the grip detection area is gripped by the detection unit, the control unit is configured to change the tactile sense of the operation detection area so that the grip detection area and the operation detection area can be distinguished. The control device for an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the device is a control device. A touch sensor having a plurality of detection areas and mounted in a predetermined range of the grip part gripped by the driver on the steering wheel so as to cover the grip part, and includes a part of the plurality of detection areas A touch in which a grip detection area for detecting contact of the palm of the driver and an operation detection area including the other part of the plurality of detection areas and detecting the specific input operation by finger contact are set. Detect whether the driver is gripping the grip detection area in the sensor,
When it is detected that the grip detection area is gripped, the color or tactile sensation of the grip detection area and the operation detection area is changed,
Detect whether a specific input operation has been performed on the operation detection area,
Controlling an operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor when it is detected that the driver is grasping the grip detection area and the specific input operation is detected. A method for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle.   13. The method of controlling an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 12, wherein when the grip detection area is detected to be gripped, the color of the operation detection area is changed.   The method of controlling an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 12, wherein when the grip detection area is detected to be gripped, the tactile sensation of the operation detection area is changed.

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